University Programs enrolment growth moderates

ASX RELEASE
1 April 2015
University Programs enrolment growth moderates
Global education services provider Navitas Limited (ASX: NVT) has today announced a
3% increase in student enrolments for the first semester of 2015 (201501) for its
University Programs colleges. This cohort, compared to the prior corresponding period
(pcp), represents 19,470 equivalent full time student units (EFTSU). Please refer to the
historical University Programs EFTSU and enrolment growth chart on page 3.
EFTSU growth in Australian University Programs colleges has continued to moderate with
a flat result compared to pcp. Enrolments have been impacted by two key factors:
 a reduction in enrolments from Nepal and India compared to pcp; and
 a significant decline in SIBT’s Australian domestic student enrolments
As previously highlighted enrolments from Nepal and India have moderated following the
application of stricter assessment criteria on student applications. These measures were
instigated following higher than acceptable levels of non-genuine student applications
from those countries in 2013 and early 2014.
“This is the last semester we can expect to have prior corresponding periods with much
higher enrolments from Nepal and India. Growth from this region should start to return to
more normal patterns over the coming semesters,” said Navitas Group Chief Executive
Officer, Rod Jones.
“We remain committed to taking any steps required to ensure optimal student outcomes
and will not compromise on entry standards, academic quality and the student experience
at any of our colleges around the world.”
“In addition the 201501 intake was affected by a reduction in the number of students
enrolling at SIBT where the impact of the non-renewal of the college agreement by
Macquarie University has materially reduced domestic enrolments. This was announced to
the market in July 2014,” Mr Jones said.
After opening in late 2013 the Division’s New Zealand college continued to grow strongly
more than doubling its intake. As announced in early March EFTSU’s grew by 16% in
Canada, 15% in the US and 1% in the UK in the 201501 semester.
“Despite slowing growth rates in Australia and the UK due to self-imposed stricter student
assessment criteria, demand for tertiary education remains strong across all key source
countries and globally enrolments continue to grow solidly.”
“The number of students choosing to study overseas continues to increase and with
colleges in the top education destinations the University Programs Division remains well
positioned for future long term sustainable growth,” Mr Jones concluded.
By geographical region, EFTSUs are distributed as follows:
201501 EFTSU
201401 EFTSU
By geographical region, EFTSU variance against the pcp was:
 Canada up 16%
 US up 15%
 Australia and New Zealand up 1%
 UK up 1%
 Asia/Africa down 2%
2
Historical University Programs EFTSU and enrolment growth:
------ENDS-----For further information contact:
James Fuller, Group Manager Corporate Affairs
Navitas Limited
Tel: +61 (8) 9314 9617
Mob: +61 488 093 763
About Navitas
Navitas is a leading global education provider that offers an extensive range of
educational services through three major Divisions to students and professionals
including university programs, creative media education, professional education, English
language training and settlement services. Navitas is a S&P/ASX100 company.
Further details about Navitas are available at navitas.com